Maltby Project Update

[Entropy]

Another range trip. I had loaded up a string of what looked promising using the initial data and both the Hornady 174gr RN and the Sierra 180gr Pro Hunter. Powder was again RL15 with one exception. Searching over the web, I discovered several posts detailing using a charge of 37.0gr of IMR-4895 along with the Sierras. All the information described it as the “all purpose” and “all Enfields like it” loading. I had some on the powder shelf so figured I’d give it a try. I loaded up a small spread of 36.7. 37.0, and 37.3. The manuals listed it as well.

Once again, the RL15 loadings were nothing to get excited about. Not worth posting pics, but group size hovered right around 2moa at 100yds with inconsistencies in both velocity and POI from the last test. A bit disappointing and perplexing to say the least. I’m used to pretty consistent results from my handloading and this was a bit frustrating. The one bright point of the day were the IMR-4895 loads. All groups were between 1-1.5moa with much less dispersion and more consistent shot-to-shot velocities. The variance, for example, on the 37.0gr charge was only approximately 15fps for all the shots fired. That”s more like it.

I kept a few of each charge loading to try at 300yds. I had a friend breaking in a 1903a4 and felt compelled to fling a few down range in support of the Commonwealth. The result was actually quite surprising. Using a bench and the same Leupold 2.5x scope, it gave some decent performance. There was some initial “confusion” between the shooter and the spotter but once that was solved, all the shots (with the exception of one I spectacularly shanked) landed as intended. Below is the last 3 shot group that measures just a bit over 4”. Two rounds are 37.3gr charge, and one is 36.7gr charge as well. I had done a hasty plug into Ballistic AE to get some “gouge” numbers to work off at 300yds. Those too were spot on (about 26” drop given a 2120fps muzzle velocity and 0’ DA)as well. A bit of wind (not much) and I wasn’t really correcting for it. I was having enough difficulty with the GIANT crosshairs! About 4” left of POA which is probably the result of the wind and technique. Quite pleased with that.

So what started as a disappointment turned out with a ray of sunshine. I need to look at that 37.gr of 4895 much more carefully. Perhaps this rifle just doesn’t like RL15 for some reason. Holidays coming up, so probably pick this up after. Hopefully get the cheek piece fitted so I can toss the foam, and decide on what to put on it for optics. The Leupold is a nice scope, but the stadia thickness and low power is certainly part of the issue here.

Anyone else have opinions on that IMR-4895 loading?


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